Minutes
Lakewood City Council
Regular Meeting held
October 24, 2023
MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Pe in the Council Chambers at the Civic Center, 5000 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California.
INVOCATION was offered by Dr. Fardad Mogharabi, Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'i of Lakewood
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Scout Troop 4513
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Mayor Ariel Pe
Vice Mayor Todd Rogers
Council Member Cassandra Chase
Council Member Steve Croft
Council Member Jeff Wood
. . .
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS:
Mayor Pe announced that it was currently Red Ribbon Week and encouraged everyone to show their support for a drug-free lifestyle. He stated that on behalf of the City Council, he had signed a proclamation declaring Red Ribbon Week in Lakewood and recognized the representatives of the Southeast County Young Marines who were in attendance.
The Mayor introduced Captain Dan Holguin, Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, who provided the Quarterly Public Safety Report. Captain Holguin reported on Part I crimes in the City and at the Lakewood Center Mall; efforts of the Special Assignment Team; and the effectiveness of the license plate recognition cameras. He stated that the previous week’s Haunted Jail and Safety Expo event had been a success in bringing the community together. The Captain expressed thanks to the City Council, staff and the Public Safety team for their continued leadership, partnership, and support.
Captain Holguin and staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members.
Vice Mayor Rogers expressed his thanks to the many supporters of the Lakewood Education Foundation and stated that due to the generosity of the community, the funds raised would go directly into the classrooms of Lakewood schools through grants made to teachers.
Mayor Pe highlighted the successes of the Neighborhood Watch seminar; the grand opening of the mini-pitch at Palms Park; and the Race Equity Diversity Inclusion (REDI) Roundtable. . . .
City Council Minutes
October 24, 2023
ROUTINE ITEMS:
Since there were individuals signed up to speak under Routine Item 9, Mayor Pe stated that the item would be considered separately.
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD SECONDED TO APPROVE ROUTINE ITEMS 1 THROUGH 8.
RI-1 Approval of Minutes of the Meetings held July 25, August 22, September 12, September 26, and October 10, 2023
RI-2 Approval of Personnel Transactions
RI-3 Approval of Registers of Demands
RI-4 Approval of Report of City Council Committees’ Activities RI-5 Approval of Monthly Report of Investment Transactions - September 2023 RI-6 Approval of Quarterly Schedule of Investments as of September 30, 2023 RI-7 Approval of Agreement with Kiley And Associates for Federal Governmental Relations Services
RI-8 Ratify Purchase of Bucket Truck
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
RI-9 Approval of Agreements and Appropriations for Lakewood Equestrian Center Management And Operations
City Manager Thaddeus McCormack explained that a presentation regarding the management and operations of the Lakewood Equestrian Center had just concluded prior to the regular meeting. He provided an overview of the discussion held earlier which highlighted the City’s intent to maintain continuity of the equestrian center functions for the boarders and trainers.
Debbie Mills, Long Beach, and Joey Hines, Lakewood, addressed the City Council regarding the positive impacts of the Lakewood Equestrian Center.
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
City Council Minutes
October 24, 2023
2.1 • ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS FOR 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION
Steve Skolnik, for the City Attorney, advised that there were three resolutions before the City Council that were procedural actions necessary to begin the process for the next General Municipal Election, which would be held on March 5, 2024.
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-66; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAKEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024, FOR THE
ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES RESOLUTION NO. 2023-67; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAKEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON, MARCH 5, 2024, WITH THE STATEWIDE
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-68; A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF LAKEWOOD, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES
FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO CANDIDATE STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024
COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER CHASE SECONDED TO ADOPT RESOLUTIONS NO. 2023-66, NO. 2023-67 AND NO. 2023-68. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.1 • APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 TO ALL CITIES ENGINEERING INC., TO INSTALL PVC PIPE IN SANDWOOD STREET AS PART OF THE FY 2024 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Derek Nguyen, Director of Water Resources, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda regarding the FY 2024 Water Main Replacement Project. He stated it was staff’s recommendation that the City Council approve Change Order No. 1 to All Cities Engineering Inc., in the amount of $433,420 to install 1,360 feet of 8” PVC pipe in Sandwood St. between Levelside Ave and Downey Ave and authorize staff to issue the corresponding change order.
Staff responded to questions and comments from Council Members.
COUNCIL MEMBER CROFT MOVED AND VICE MAYOR ROGERS SECONDED TO APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
City Council Minutes
October 24, 2023
3.1 • APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FOR FY 2024 WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT - Continued
UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
3.2 • QUARTERLY BUDGET REPORT OF MAJOR FUNDS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Finance and Administrative Services Director Jose Gomez displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda pertaining to the quarterly budget review as of September 30, 2023 for the City's two major funds, the General Fund and the Water Utility Enterprise Fund. He summarized that overall, first quarter revenue and expenditure activity was in line with historical seasonal trends, and with the adopted budget. He stated that staff would continue to monitor all activities and recommend adjustments, if necessary.
MAYOR PE STATED THAT THERE BEING NO OBJECTION, THE REPORT WAS ORDERED RECEIVED AND FILED.
. . .
3.3 • 2023 HALLOWEEN CARNIVALS PREVIEW
Valarie Frost, Director of Recreation and Community Services, displayed slides and made a presentation based on the report in the agenda. She reported that Halloween carnivals were featured at eight City parks and had been among the most well attended events of the year.
She stated that the carnival elements included game booths and decorations, a “Red Ribbon Booth” to promote a drug free society, appropriately scary haunted houses, and inflatable attractions.
MAYOR PE STATED THAT THERE BEING NO OBJECTION, THE REPORT WAS ORDERED RECEIVED AND FILED.
. . .
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Regarding Appointment of City Representative
MAYOR PE MOVED AND COUNCIL MEMBER WOOD SECONDED TO APPOINT
COUNCIL MEMBER STEVE CROFT TO THE GREATER LOS ANGELES COUNTY VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT BOARD FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM. UPON ROLL CALL VOTE, THE MOTION WAS APPROVED:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Wood, Croft, Chase, Rogers and Pe NAYS: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
. . .
City Council Minutes
October 24, 2023
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Bert Johnson, JrLakewood, addressed the City Council regarding a house he had reported as blight in the neighborhood but had since been repaired by the new owner and residential assistance with gopher control.
Ben Chavez, Lakewood, spoke about traffic and speeding issues in the neighborhood. . . .
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought before the City Council, Mayor Pe adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. to Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Executive Board Room.
Respectfully submitted,
Jo Mayberry, CMC
City Clerk